U.S. seeks to curb civilian casualties in Afghanistan
A bomb attached to an A-10 Warthog, a frequent choice for close air support to aid troops in trouble on the ground, bears a message that refers to an old AC/DC song. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)
A payload of bombs wait to be attached to an F-15 fighter jet stationed at the U.S. military base at Bagram,
F-15 pilots leave their quarters at Bagram air base to fly a sortie. A sign at the exit reminds pilots: “The mission is an 18-yr-old with a rifle. All else is support.” According to commanders, pilots take every precaution to avoid causing civilian casualties. Any mistakes are discussed in post-mission briefings that involve all pilots and crews. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)
U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Kwast, commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, signals to the ground crew before taking off in an F-15 fighter jet on a mission over Afghanistan. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)
Air Force Col. Steven Kwast takes to Afghan skies. The trick is to have processes and procedures so rigorous and so defined that you minimize mistakes without tipping the balance so that you kill more Americans, he said. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)